The Arapahoe Peaks, located west of Boulder in the heart of the Indian Peaks wilderness are host to a few ridges and couloirs of note. Great views and easy access override the annoyance of the Boulder watershed prohibition area to the east of the mountains.
Getting There
Drive up Boulder Canyon (CO 119) to Nederland and follow signs to Eldora (the town, not the ski area). Drive through the town and up the dirt road, bearing right to the [Fourth] of July trailhead. Use the appropriate trail to approach your climb. Roach's book is a good reference.
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Arapahoe Peaks:
This gem of a snow couloir winds its way up the secluded West face of North Arapaho Peak (13,502'). Climb this route early in the spring during a good snow year as the upper section of the route melts out and reveals an unpleasant steep scree field. You might be accessing this climb from a busy trailhead, but you leave the crowds behind once you cross onto the western face of the Arapahos. It is a long way to the North Star, 8 miles round trip...[more]Browse More Classics in CO
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